Why Go to Moscow
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Moscow is a city of grand scale and rich history. Russia's capital is home to the Kremlin, the colorful onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square, world-class museums like the State Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum, the legendary Bolshoi Theatre and a metro system whose stations look like underground palaces. Its mix of imperial palaces, Soviet monuments and modern luxury makes it unlike any other city in Europe.
Important for U.S. travelers: the U.S. State Department currently advises Americans not to travel to Russia, citing serious safety risks, the potential for wrongful detention and limited ability to assist U.S. citizens. Flights, banking and other services are also significantly restricted.
For now, I don't recommend booking travel to Moscow. If you're interested in Russian history, art and culture, I'd be happy to suggest alternatives, such as the Baltic capitals of Tallinn and Riga, Helsinki or a Northern Europe cruise, and I'll keep an eye on the guidance in case it changes.
BEST FOR
Architecture enthusiasts, museumgoers and history travelers
BEST MONTHS
May–September
EXPLORE
Red Square and the Kremlin define the historic center; Tverskaya is a major commercial corridor; Zamoskvorechye has older streets and galleries.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Moscow
Europe/Asia › Eastern Europe › Russia › Moscow
Monumental architecture and layers of Russian history
Historical & Heritage
Architecture
History
Museums
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Russia is under a U.S. Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory with severe consular limitations; prioritize official safety guidance.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
This entry is for cultural reference only while the U.S. advises against travel.
Red Square
The historic central square is flanked by monumental buildings and museums.
Access to individual areas is restricted and subject to change.
Moscow Kremlin
The fortified complex contains historic cathedrals, government buildings and museum collections.
Museum and religious access may be controlled.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral
Colorful domes distinguish the iconic cathedral at the edge of Red Square.
Check official visitor arrangements if travel restrictions change.
Tretyakov Gallery
Major art museum with influential collections of Russian paintings and icons.
Performance access requires advance planning.
Bolshoi Theatre
Landmark theatre associated with Russian ballet and opera traditions.
A central luxury hotel near Red Square and the Kremlin.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow
Okhotny Ryad
Hotel Tags
A historic grand hotel near the Bolshoi Theatre and central landmarks.
Hotel Metropol Moscow
Theatre Square
Hotel Tags
A luxury hotel positioned near Red Square and the city’s main sightseeing district.
The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow
Tverskaya Street
Hotel Tags
An established riverside luxury hotel overlooking the Kremlin across the Moskva River.
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow
Balchug Island
Hotel Tags
A high-rise hotel with expansive city views south of central Moscow.
Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy Moscow
Paveletskaya
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Moscow
High 33°F · Low 26°F · Rain 2.2 in
Winter returns with shorter days and cold weather.
Summer can be mild and busy; winters are long and cold. Do not plan tourism under the current U.S. Level 4 advisory.
Best Times to Visit Moscow
WHEN TO GO
06
Level 4 U.S. Do Not Travel advisory
Russia carries a U.S. Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory. Consult official government guidance and do not assume transport or tourist services are safely accessible.
05
Central walking districts
Plan time for central walking districts in Moscow. Check terrain, weather, accessibility and local restrictions; allow an alternate transfer where walking is impractical.
04
Authorized road transport
For more flexible journeys, authorized road transport may be relevant in Moscow. Use authorized providers, confirm the pickup location and agree on payment arrangements before travel.
03
Rail terminals and regional services
Consider rail terminals and regional services when organizing trips beyond your accommodation. Confirm the exact boarding location, advance booking requirements and any transfer between terminals.
02
Moscow Metro
For travel within Moscow, investigate moscow metro. Verify route coverage, ticket rules, operating dates and the last return service before relying on it for sightseeing.
01
International arrival restrictions
The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia. International flights, entry arrangements, payments and consular assistance can be severely constrained; do not plan a routine visitor itinerary.
The Moscow Metro covers much of the city; check payment, entry and transportation restrictions as services and international access can change.
Getting Around Moscow